2022 INFINITI QX60 vs 2021 Lincoln Navigator

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was a departure from its predecessors, which often resembled dressed-up Ford Expeditions. While it shared some structural elements with the Expedition, such as side glass and overall footprint, the Navigator distinguished itself with unique design features, including a distinct turn signal stalk. Its elegance and understated styling were impressive, especially for a vehicle of its size, riding on 22-inch wheels. The Pristine White model, with its monochromatic package, black wheels, and illuminated Lincoln logo, was particularly striking during winter tests. The interior was equally impressive, offering seven colour palettes and a modern, muted design with high-quality materials and tight panel gaps. The Perfect Position seats, adjustable in 30 different ways, added to the luxurious feel, making the Navigator a formidable competitor in its class.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 underwent a complete makeover, marking the start of its second generation. The exterior design was dramatic, featuring a prominent grille, slim LED headlights, and oversized air intakes, giving it a concept-car look. The long hood and steeply raked windshield added elegance, while the blacked-out pillars created a floating roof effect. The rear design was tasteful, with "INFINITI" spelled out in chrome letters across the liftgate. Inside, the QX60 felt wide and open, with quilted leather upholstery on the Autograph trim level. The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display was well-placed, and the TFT instrument panel provided crisp graphics. The QX60 was crafted with high build quality, offering a smooth and serene ride, making it a strong contender in the luxury crossover segment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator was powered by a remarkable twin-turbo V6 engine, borrowed from the Ford Raptor, producing 450 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque. This engine, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission and standard four-wheel drive in Canada, provided a sprightly performance for a vehicle of its size. The Navigator's towing capacity was impressive at 3,765 kilograms (8,300 pounds). However, its fuel efficiency was less than stellar, averaging in the double digits, aligning with the estimated 13.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined rating. While the Navigator offered a plush highway ride, its suspension and steering were not as refined as some competitors, such as the Cadillac Escalade.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 featured a naturally aspirated 3.5-litre V6 engine, delivering 295 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque. The new nine-speed automatic transmission replaced the previous CVT, significantly improving the driving experience with clean and crisp shifts. The QX60's suspension, with MacPherson struts up front and an independent multilink setup in the rear, provided a smooth ride, although it wasn't designed for aggressive cornering. The QX60 excelled on highways and suburban streets, offering a comfortable ride for passengers in all rows. Its fuel consumption was competitive, with an estimated 10.8 litres per 100 kilometres combined.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator offered ample interior space, akin to a small bedroom, accommodating six adults comfortably. It was technically a seven-passenger SUV, but the third row's middle seat was best suited for children. The boxy shape contributed to generous cargo space, with 546 litres behind the third row, 1,627 litres behind the second, and a total of 2,925 litres. The Navigator Reserve model featured heated rear second-row seats and a three-zone climate system. The front seats were highly adjustable and luxurious, providing excellent visibility, although parking could be challenging due to its size.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60, while not a minivan, offered a spacious and versatile interior. The three-row SUV provided ample storage, charging ports, and comfort for all passengers. The second-row seats, available as a bench or captain's chairs, slid easily to share space with the third row. The QX60 offered 411 litres of luggage space behind the third row, expanding to 1,178 litres with the third row folded, and 2,135 litres with both rows down. It also had a towing capacity of up to 2,721 kilograms (6,000 pounds) with the right equipment.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator's technology felt somewhat dated, with a 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system that lacked the advanced features of some competitors. While it offered Bluetooth and SiriusXM, it didn't support wireless Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. The 20-speaker Revel Ultima audio system was good but not exceptional. However, the software was intuitive, and voice recognition was fast and accurate. The Navigator included wireless device charging and a rear entertainment system with Roku media streaming.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 impressed with its technology offerings. It featured full LED lighting, a power liftgate, and a 12.3-inch InTouch Interactive infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and wired Android Auto. The QX60 included multiple USB ports, a wireless charging pad, and a navigation system with TomTom map data. Higher trims offered a head-up display and a smart rearview mirror, enhancing safety and convenience. The Bose Performance series sound system on higher trims provided excellent audio quality.

The 2021 Lincoln Navigator received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, with four stars for rollover resistance. It offered standard safety features like automatic emergency braking, lane-keep assist, and blind-spot monitoring. However, adaptive cruise control was optional, and the Navigator's self-steering capabilities were not as advanced as some competitors.

The 2022 INFINITI QX60 had not yet been rated by major safety organizations, but its predecessor received high marks. The QX60 came equipped with a comprehensive suite of airbags and advanced driver assistance systems, including forward emergency braking, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot warning. ProPilot Assist was standard on most trims, offering features like adaptive cruise control and lane-departure prevention.